On December 22, South Africa’s CGS confirmed an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3, followed by an aftershock of 2.9. Epicentres were located near Buchufontein, Northern Cape, with reported tremors felt in multiple areas across the country. The CGS encourages public reporting of their earthquake experiences via an online questionnaire.
On December 22, at approximately 02:51 AM and 05:28 AM, South Africa’s Council for Geoscience (CGS) confirmed both an earthquake and a subsequent aftershock. The preliminary findings from the South African Seismograph Network indicated that the earthquake had a magnitude of around 5.3, while the aftershock measured approximately 2.9. The locations of the epicentres were found to be within 20 kilometers southwest of Buchufontein in the Northern Cape. Reports have surfaced regarding aftershocks being felt across various regions in the country, which are currently undergoing analysis by the CGS.
Earthquakes are seismic events that occur due to the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. In regions like South Africa, the monitoring of these events is critical for public safety and scientific understanding. The Council for Geoscience serves as the authoritative body responsible for monitoring seismic activities through the South African Seismograph Network. By providing timely information regarding earthquakes and aftershocks, the CGS plays an essential role in raising awareness and assisting in preparedness.
In summary, the recent earthquake in South Africa has been confirmed by the Council for Geoscience, with the initial quake followed by an aftershock. The CGS’s findings emphasize the importance of monitoring seismic activities, with numerous reports of felt effects from the quake across several towns. The organization encourages public participation in documenting these experiences to enhance their database and improve seismic studies.
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